2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 640 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | Roadster | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
